Joshua Oha, Author at Matchplug Blog

France vs Netherlands: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

France and Netherlands will look to get their 2024 European Championship qualifiers with a bang when they meet at Stade de France on Friday.

Both sides are looking to dust themselves back up after a poor end to their World Cup when they face each other. France were among the favourites to lift the World Cup in Qatar but failed at the last hurdle to Argentina, losing on penalties after a 3-3 draw in extra time.

Their rebuild has started, with key players like Raphael Varane and Hugo Lloris hanging up their boots. There’s also a new captain in town, with Kylian Mbappe now given the national team armband following Lloris’ retirement.

Head coach Didier Deschamps has surged the shuffle in the FA, which has seen French football federation president Nöel le Graet resign. The World Cup winner will be desperate to begin this new era with a win here over fellow Group B favourite, the Netherlands.

History places Les Bleus as the favourites for a win here, as the hosts have five wins across the previous six H2Hs against the Netherlands (L1). However, the visitors could struggle to win here and stop France from extending their current nine-game unbeaten run on home soil in Euro qualifiers (W7, D2).

Like their hosts, the Oranje also saw their World Cup journey ended by Argentina in the quarter-finals. However, the Netherlands are also rebuilding, with new coach Ronald Koeman taking over the reins after Louis van Gaal resigned after the World Cup.

The former Barcelona boss has experience in this job, having been in charge of the Dutch national team before. But he will hope to hit the ground running and extend a decent run that has seen them go unbeaten in their last 20 competitive games (W14, D6-90 minutes only).

Click here to get the best prediction for this game.

Bayern Munich concerned about Sadio Mane’s form and fitness

Bayern Munich are reportedly growing concerned with the form and fitness of Sadio Mane following his latest poor display in a defeat at Bayern Leverkusen.

The former Liverpool forward was seen as a star when he arrived at the Allianz Arena in the summer after completing a high profile £ 35.1 million switch from the Premier League club.

Mane enjoyed a great start to his Bayern campaign, scoring on his debut, before recording a further ten goals and five assists in his first two months at the club.

His last goal for the club came back in October when he netted against Mainz – grabbing two assists in the same game.

However, since his return from injury, the Senegalese has struggled to recreate the form that made him a feared opponent in England. Then, he formed a devastating attacking trident alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

And now, German publication Sport 1 reports that Bayern Munich are growing concerned with the 30-year-old. The report claims that Mane seems unfit and rarely wins one-on-one duels – which has been noticed several times in training.

Mane suffered a severe leg injury just before the World Cup and could not play for the Senegal national. The injury kept him out for three months, and he was unavailable for Bayern’s first seven matches after the winter break.

There are concerns that Mane’s injury has caused long-term damage, given that he is now past his best. His previous speed and explosiveness, which made him a terror to defences, seem to have gone with them, as that has rarely been a feature of his play recently.

However, Mane’s injury is not the only reason he seems to be struggling. The tactical demands of Julian Naglesmann on the forward has also affected his game negatively.

In Bayern, the attacker is expected to operate slightly differently from what he has been previously used to under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Under Klopp, the 30-year-old operated predominantly as a winger with a supporting full-back. But at Bayern, he is more central to the winger duties primarily occupied by Alphonso Davies.

Manchester United and Chelsea told to pay €150 Million for Victor Osimhen

Serie A leaders Napoli have reportedly put a €150 Million price tag on their star forward Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian striker is one of the hottest properties in the European market and is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea.

He is enjoying the most productive season in his career and sits top of the Serie A scoring charts with 21 goals. His goals has helped Napoli go 19 points clear at the top of Serie A, while his brace against Eintracht Frankfurt last week took his tally in all competitions to 25 goals in just 29 appearances.

His stellar performance has not gone unnoticed in Europe, and his club are prepared for the several offers that will follow when the season ends. According to FootMercato via GOAL, the Naples side have slapped a €150 million price tag on their priced asset and do not intend to go lower.

The Nigeria star is under contract with Napoli until 2025, but he could be out of Italy this summer if the right offer comes.

The report further adds that the 24-year-old fancies a move to Manchester United, who have prioritised signing a new striker this summer.

Chelsea are looking for a high-profile striker in the upcoming transfer window and are also interested in Osimhen. But unlike Manchester United, who are in a strong financial position, the Blues are not in a robust place financially following massive spending in the recent past.

French heavyweights PSG are also in the race for Osimhen, but the striker prefers a move to the Premier League.

Earlier this month, Osimhen confirmed he would sit down with his agents to discuss his future at the end of the season.

“I don’t know what the future holds. I think I’m on the right track,’ said Osimhen.

At the end of the season, I will sit down with my agents and discuss everything. I will also be in talks with the club.

“I am incredibly grateful to Naples. We will find a good solution together,” he added.

The striker also revealed earlier this month that he dreams of moving to the Premier League.

“A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league, but now I’m in one of the best leagues in the world, which is the Italian Serie A.

“I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday, but like I said, it’s a process, and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well.”

Arsenal interested in signing £25m-rated Red Bull Salzburg attacker Noah Okafor

Arsenal are reportedly interested in the services of Red Bull Salzburg striker Noah Okafor.

Daily Mail says the Gunners are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing the £25 million-rated forward.

The 22-year-old has also been looked at by West Ham and Tottenham but could land at the Emirates this summer as Arsenal are keen on expanding their attacking numbers.

Okafor broke into the limelight last season, scoring 14 times in 34 appearances for the Austrian side Salzburg.

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The Swiss striker enhanced his reputation further with ten goals in 20 games ahead of the World Cup.

The striker’s contract at Red Bull Salzburg is up next summer, reducing Salzburg’s chances of commanding a fee for the striker who they signed in 2019 from Basel. But further interest in Italy from the likes of Milan duo Inter and AC will increase their hopes of driving the price as high as possible.

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Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner approached by Tottenham to replace Antonio Conte

Tottenham have reportedly approached Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner to replace under-fire manager Antonio Conte.

The 53-year-old Italian is under pressure in North London following poor results and unfashionable public criticism of his club and players.

Tottenham’s chances of finishing in the top four took a big hit last weekend as they conceded three late goals to blow a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw with Southampton. After the game, Conte accused his team of lacking professionalism in a 10-minute rant that also aimed at the club’s culture over the last 20 years.

His outburst and other related issues have led to speculations that he wants Tottenham to relieve him of his duties. It has now been reported that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy could finally sack Conte this week.

If Conte departs, Frankfurt boss Glasner has been eyed as a perfect replacement. According to German publication Bild, the 48-year-old, whose contract expires in 2024, has been contacted by Tottenham.

The Austrian boss guided Frankfurt to an impressive Europa League win last season. However, they could not beat Serie A leaders Napoli in the last 16 this year.

Barça could terminate Jordi Alba’s contract this summer

Jordi Alba’s Barcelona contract could be terminated in the summer, according to reports.

The Catalan club are looking to lower their wage bill this summer, as instructed by La Liga and could turn to mutual termination to achieve that.

And according to SPORT, Alba is one of the players who could fall victim to Barca’s desire to play within the financial rules.

The long-serving left-back will earn a salary of €38m next season, including deferred wages, which puts him in the bracket as one of the highest earners in Europe.

But with Barca required to reduce their wage bill by more than €200m if they want to sign players or register new contracts, Alba will likely be let go.

Tottenham want £100m upfront payment for Manchester United target Harry Kane

Manchester United reportedly must pay £100 million upfront if they want to sign Harry Kane next summer.

The Tottenham Hotspur star is in demand this summer, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all interested in his services.

The Red Devils are the frontrunners to sign the England man, whose contract with Tottenham expires in 2024. However, according to The Times, Erik ten Hag’s side will have to shell out £100 million ($122m) in a single up-front payment.

Tottenham and club chairman Daniel Levy are not keen on selling their star striker to a direct rival and will try to convince him to sign a new deal at the end of the current season.

While there is substantial interest from clubs abroad, the 29-year-old will prefer staying in the Premier League as he wants to break Alan Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals.

Liverpool to move for £44m Milinkovic-Savic

Liverpool reportedly wants to make a summer move for £44 million, rated Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer.

According to Calciomercatoweb, the Reds see the Serbia international as a great option to strengthen their midfield after a disappointing season and can sign him for £44m.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are keen on reinforcing their midfield this summer and see the 28-year-old as a perfect fit.

Elsewhere, The Athletic report that the Reds are reportedly set to miss out on signing their long-term target Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid and Manchester City will be the frontrunners to land the player next season because of their financial might.

Real Madrid are monitoring Harry Kane’s situation at Tottenham

Real Madrid are reportedly looking to capitalise on the uncertainty around Harry Kane’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur.

Los Blancos want to bolster their attack this season and have sounded out the England captain over a possible transfer this summer.

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Kane’s contract at Tottenham will expire next year, and his current club have made initial soundings about extending the deal.

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But according to reports, formal talks are still to advance.

Real Madrid are lurking around to pounce on the situation should Kane become available. But Los Blancos aren’t the only club in the race. Manchester United and Bayern Munich are reportedly also interested in the 29-year-old.

However, Kane’s age, salary request, and Tottenham’s valuation mean both clubs need more convincing about the financial implications of such a transfer.

However, Kane’s transfer will depend on Madrid’s ability to sort their own business. The La Liga club is offering a contract extension to 35-year-old Karim Benzema and could revive interest in Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain.

Atletico Madrid ready to accept reduced fee from Chelsea for Joao Felix

Atlético Madrid are reportedly prepared to lower their asking price for Chelsea loanee João Félix.

The Portuguese attacker joined Chelsea on a short-term loan in January but could be sold permanently if both sides and the player agree and the right price is paid.

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Although there was no option or obligation to buy included in the deal, with Atletico giants looking to raise funds to balance their books and reinvest in the squad, Chelsea will have the opportunity to negotiate a fee with the La Liga club.

According to a report by The Athletic, Diego Simeone’s side want around €90m in the summer for the player. The Spanish club bought the 23-year-old for €127.20 million in 2019 but are keen to take him off the wage bill to balance their books.

Chelsea are happy with how Felix has performed since joining the club in January and will be willing to keep him permanently.

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But that will depend on whether they can sell some players and balance the books.

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Joshua Oha

France vs Netherlands: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Bayern Munich concerned about Sadio Mane’s form and fitness

Manchester United and Chelsea told to pay €150 Million for Victor Osimhen

Arsenal interested in signing £25m-rated Red Bull Salzburg attacker Noah Okafor

Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner approached by Tottenham to replace Antonio Conte

Barça could terminate Jordi Alba’s contract this summer

Tottenham want £100m upfront payment for Manchester United target Harry Kane

Liverpool to move for £44m Milinkovic-Savic

Real Madrid are monitoring Harry Kane’s situation at Tottenham

Atletico Madrid ready to accept reduced fee from Chelsea for Joao Felix

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